San Francisco 49ers (11-4) – Washington Commanders (7-7-1): 37-20
With the 49ers having officially won the NFC West last week, this meeting held no particular stakes for them, except that of catching the Vikings, victorious against the Giants earlier in the evening, for the No. 2 seed and ensuring a possible second round of the playoffs at home. A situation at the exact opposite of the Commanders, clinging to seventh and last qualifying place for the final stages.
We had to wait until the start of the 2nd quarter to see a semblance of action in this contested poster, but we can no longer close. In 1st & goal 5 yards from the in-goal of the Californians, the Commanders failed to convert any of their four attempts. Finally not a surprise, the men of Ron Rivera having a starving success rate (52.6%) at 10 yards or less from the opposing end zones this season.
Iron Curtain
As if awakened by the resilience of their defense, the 49ers capsized their fans on the next possession. All it takes is a spark, as the saying goes. Two small runs from Christian McCaffrey (15 runs, 46 yards, 1 TD, 2 receptions, 12 yards), two small passes from Brock Purdy (15/22, 234 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT), and then… The explosion from Ray-Ray McCloud III, 71 yards for the opener, more yards in one run than he has gleaned over the previous two seasons (7-0). And thanks to McCaffrey, visibly upset at his non-selection for the Pro Bowl, for the salutary block.
Catch him if you can.@RMIII_34
📺 #WASvsSF on CBS
📱 NFL+ https://t.co/KTh0i461x9 pic.twitter.com/qrIUso8D8u— San Francisco 49ers-x (@49ers) December 24, 2022
Unlucky on a poorly controlled ball by Jauan Jennings, San Francisco must once again rely on their defense to stop Washington, who started their series 31 yards from the end zone. But even for the best defensive squad in the league, the task is too daunting. Two conversions on third attempt will have been necessary, but the Commanders end up equalizing thanks to Jahan Dotson. His seventh touchdown of the season (7-7).
McClaurin takes care of everything
Having completed less than half of his passes in the 1st half (4/9), Brock Purdy returned from the locker room with much more aggressive intentions, finding in turn Brandon Aiyuk (5 receptions, 81 yards) and George Kittle ( 6 receptions, 120 yards, 2 TDs), then again Kittle for a 34-yard touchdown (14-7). And because this San Francisco defense is definitely one of the best in the sport’s recent history, it will only leave 7 small snaps to Washington on the following two series: 3 & out, then 4 & out on the 34 yards of the Commanders. Riverboat Ron’s overconfidence? Definitely. Purdy to Ayuk. Purdy to Kittle, touchdownlike an air of deja vu (21-7).
If the Commanders are still in the race for a qualification in the playoffs, it is also because they do not admit defeat. Even on the road, even down by two possessions, even against the best defense in the league. Their captain and offensive leader, Terry McClaurin (4 receptions, 77 yards, 1 TD), was responsible for leading the way. first with a 51-yard reception that only a handful of players are able to achieve, then by finishing the job in the end zone (21-14).
Wentz du Diable Vauvert
The hope of the Commanders barely revived, the 49ers have shown the recipe that has made their success this season. YACs on the attackto allow Robbie Gould to give a little more air to the scoreboard (24-14). And superstars in defense, to regain possession of Washington’s 11 yards. If he does not yet have the Defender of the Year trophy in his hands, Nick Bosa (7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 4 QB hits), is only two small sacks from the franchise record set by Aldon Smith in 2012 (19.5). No touchdown at the end, but Gould increases his lead a little more (27-14).
The momentum has changed sides. So much so that the new series of Commanders only lasted two short games. Time for the 49ers defense and Jimmie Ward to intercept Taylor Heinicke (13/18, 166 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT). History repeats itself with a new field goal from Robbie Gould (30-14), failing the realism of San Francisco’s attack. Otherwise, the addition could have been much saltier. Ineffective and visibly sounded on the sack of Bosa, Heinicke is replaced by the returning Carson Wentz (12/16, 123 yards, 1 TD), who had not seen the grounds since Week 6.
Eleven games and 82 yards further, the second pick of the 2016 draft finds Curtis Samuel (5 receptions, 52 yards, 1 TD) in the in-goal, but fails to trigger a pass on the two-point conversion attempt (30-20). Joey Slye’s completely missed onside kick allows the 49ers to start their series on the Commanders’ 33 yards. This time she will go all the way thanks to Christian McCaffrey. Game over (37-20). Eighth consecutive victory for San Francisco which, with its defense, is more than ever a contender to represent the NFC in the next Super Bowl.
